New York, NY – New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the immediate removal of a Palestinian Studies teaching position at Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
The move comes after Jewish advocacy groups raised concerns, arguing that the position could promote antisemitic rhetoric. Hochul’s office confirmed the decision, emphasizing that taxpayer-funded institutions must not support biased or extremist narratives.
Governor Hochul’s Stance on Antisemitism
In an official statement, Hochul’s spokesperson explained the reasoning behind the removal.
“Governor Hochul has directed CUNY to immediately remove this job posting and conduct a thorough review of the position to ensure that antisemitic theories are not promoted in the classroom,” the spokesperson stated.
The governor has been vocal about combating antisemitism, making it clear that hateful rhetoric has no place at CUNY or anywhere in New York State.
What Was in the Job Posting?
The now-deleted job listing was part of a “Palestinian Studies cluster hire” aimed at filling two academic positions. The description sought a historically grounded scholar to focus on topics such as:
- Settler colonialism
- Genocide
- Human rights
- Apartheid
- Migration
- Climate and infrastructure devastation
- Health, race, gender, and sexuality
Critics claimed the terminology used in the job posting reflected an anti-Israel bias rather than an objective academic approach. The controversial language triggered backlash from Jewish organizations, leading to mounting pressure on the administration.
Campus Free Speech Amid the Israel-Hamas War
The Israel-Hamas war, which escalated on October 7, 2023, has heightened tensions on U.S. college campuses. Universities across the country have been caught in heated debates over free speech, academic freedom, and rising antisemitism.
In December 2024, Columbia University students circulated a controversial newspaper titled The Columbia Intifada, featuring headlines such as:
- “Zionist Peace Means Palestinian Blood”
- “The Myth of the Two-State Solution”
- “Guide to Wheatpasting” – a method for illegally pasting propaganda flyers on public surfaces
CUNY has also been under scrutiny for antisemitism. A September 2024 independent investigation, commissioned by Governor Hochul, concluded that the university system needed major reforms to address what it described as widespread antisemitism within its faculty and administration.
The Bigger Picture
As universities grapple with free speech, academic integrity, and political activism, Hochul’s decision signals a firm stance against any rhetoric that could fuel division or hate in publicly funded institutions.
